Mobility innovations for sustainability and cohesion of rural areas: A transport model and public investment analysis for Valdeorras (Galicia, Spain)

Abstract

This study provides a case example, referred to the county of Valdeorras (Galicia, Spain), to analyse different alternatives of public investment for sustainable mobility in rural areas. First, we develop a transport model based on gravity models to obtain commuting-to-work patterns, means of transport and routes, calibrating the results with the patterns observed according to different sources. Then, we make our own projections ten years ahead on population growth, geographical distribution, and employment rates, to obtain two scenarios on future trends. In a third step, we analyse different alternatives for public policy targets on sustainable mobility using a multi-criteria approach. The costs of implementing the mobility actions are compared against two potential benefits: 1. a higher integration among the villages that conform the dynamic axis of the area, and of these with their rural hinterland; 2. reducing the environmental impact –in terms of fuel consumption levels. The mobility alternatives are compared following a simple Analytic Hierarchy Process. The analysis helps to identify the potential benefits of exploiting a currently underutilised railroad facility in the area of study.